Two

This book is Gulzar's debut novel in English. A translation of his work written in Urdu.

Two is a heart-wrenching story that passionately captures the emotions of scores who were uprooted during the chaos we call partition.

The book starts with people in chaupal taking hookahs in Campbellpur(now Attock in Pakistan's Punjab Province).

They discuss about the rumour that "country would be divided". The galis, chowks,charpai and dhaba gives you the pulse of this place.

The writing is impactful even with translation ,testament to Gulzar's finesse at storytelling through deeply felt emotions.

The book portrays the pain in separation through friendships between the likes of Lakhbeera and Fauji, Karam singh and master Fazal.

Partition divides their bond. History has made leaders popular. But if history has to take the names of people who got crushed , it would be them.

As a fire that slowly engulfs the forest, fear engulfs Campbellpur . People feared of losing their homes, their identity. People cluelessly embark on journeys to a destination 'somewhere' they would reach 'someday'.

Freedom came with bloodshed and got etched in their hearts as scars for life.

Scattered by destiny and unified by past these people continue to live.